PERHAPS in the hope that this one will run and run, we turn again to George Butterfield, an Olympian when last the games were held in London.

Backtrack previously mentioned him in February 2003, expressing as ever the Micawberian wish that something further might turn up. Now, everything comes, it has.

It was 1908, the fourth modern Olympiad, the British Hype Commission working rather less feverishly than it may be required to do in 2012.

The Northern Echo's preview on the morning of the royal opening at the White City amounted to precisely four paragraphs, slightly more than the plug for the Oxo Olympic souvenir but about the same length as the report of Tow Law's Catholic sports day.

Eighteen countries carried 17 flags around the stadium. Finland, embarrassment matching impoverishment, held up a little placard instead. The 60,000 capacity stadium was just twothirds full, most of them soaked to the singlet.

George Butterfield was born in Stockton in 1882, ran for Darlington Harriers, answered unconditionally to Butt. He was AAA mile champion from 1904-06 and in 1906 clocked 4.18.6 - the world's best time that year.

He also ran against a greyhound; the dog came second.

"When you think that training in those days was probably a Sunday morning stroll around South Park and a bottle of Guinness afterwards, his achievements were phenomenal, " says Ian Barnes, a latter day Harrier.

"With modern training methods he'd be ticking off four minute miles on piece." Via Harriers chairman Robin Rutherford, further information - including some splendid images and two or three little mysteries - has arrived from Butterfield's great nephew, Arthur Butterfield.

Arthur was more of a footballer, ran his first half marathon at 40 and finished ("pretty good for a footballer, I thought") in 106 minutes.

"George did cross my mind that day and I wondered if I'd being doing the wrong sport all these years, but I decided I was too old to change at 40, " says Arthur.

Among the mysteries is the photograph, dated July 8 1905, of Butterfield winning a "close" mile race from "McGough, Gardner & C." The Northern Echo reported that on that day, Butterfield had come second in a 600 yard race at the Prince Consort Road Ground in Gateshead but "didn't turn out" for the mile handicap, won by F Ellerton of Middlesbrough Harriers in 4.14.4 - "the fastest time ever seen on the track." Not only was it the fastest time seen on the track, it appears also to have been faster than the amateur world record. Had the great Butterfield simply sped off elsewhere? It is all rather curious.

Another puzzle looms in an undated report by the doubtless wing heeled "Mercury" of Butterfield's 1906 victory in the five and a half mile Sunderland to South Shields road race in an astonishing 26 minutes 12 seconds.

Years later, the Finn Paava Nurmi, world mile record holder in 1923, set a five mile record of 24.6.2 - barely two minutes less than Butterfield's time for five and a half.

Mercury's fallen. Butt, he added, had a most lovable personality - "the like of which the North-East does not appear likely to claim its own for a very long time.

"We shall see the waxing and waning of many runners' powers before we see another Butterfield in this North-Eastern England." Miles better at home, Butterfield came third in his 1500m heat in the London Olympics and second, without qualifying, in the 800m. He was one of just two Darlington Harriers to win Olympic honours, the other the marvellous Joy Grieveson in 1964.

Butterfield became landlord of the Hole in the Wall in Darlington Market Place, joined the Royal Field Artillery in 1916 - at the age of 34 - and was killed in action the following year, one of 16 members of the 1908 squad so to perish.

For all that, he remains almost forgotten in Darlington. Though an illuminated address was rediscovered and presented to the borough council in 1987, it has long since been lost again.

For the first time this year, however, the Harriers have presented an "outstanding achievement" trophy in his memory - won by Bernadette Taylor.

"Maybe if Tesco rebuilds Darlington town hall something will turn up in the basement, " says Ian Barnes.

"It's a great pity that it has disappeared from the face of the earth. If there is proper regard for the history and traditions of the club, we really should do something.

"The very least there should be is a plaque at the Hole in the Wall. He really was a most amazing man."

IAN Barnes, little less amazing, is another who shows no signs of exhaustion. Now 70, he remains an enthusiastic runner - first Englishman, second overall, in his British cross country championships age group in March - and is still a legal executive with a Darlington firm of solicitors.

In October, he marks 50 years as an active member of the Harriers; the following month hopes to win an English cross-country vest.

Sadly, however, a hamstring injury threatens his chances of competing in the British veterans' championships next month.

"I don't think I'm going to have time to get into any sort of condition for it. You have to nurse yourself when you get to my age." For all that, he has no plans to slow down. "I feel better doing something than nothing, " says Ian. "I still have a year or two yet."

THE Hole in the Wall, where George Butterfield ran a good house, is also the home of the seriously under-achieving football team - nee College Students Union, formerly Cricketers, formerly Greyhound - of which the column is president.

They were among just six teams to complete last season in the 113-year-old Darlington and District League, the league now suspended for a year - reports secretary Doug Hawman - in the hope that interest may be rekindled.

The Hole in the Wall, meanwhile, have joined the Church and Friendly League. Ever amicable, usually on their knees, the boys should feel entirely at home.

Bishops' expensive cup reunion

A FOOTBALL myth can be torpedoed: not only did Bishop Auckland not get to keep the Amateur Cup for winning it three years in succession, they're having to pay to get their hands on it again.

Bishops travel on July 16 to play Hendon, the team they beat in the first of the victorious finals exactly 50 years ago.

Since the FA demands a hefty appearance fee for the old pot, however, supporters will be charged to have their photograph taken with it in a bid to meet expenses.

In April, it may be recalled, North Shields also stumped up £285 to hire back the cup, and were astounded not only when the FA admitted they couldn't find it but when they did - on the day of the Robins' reunion - wanted an extra £350 for transport and security.

That the second bill was finally waived was largely through the efforts of FA Council member Derek Lewin - the man, by happy coincidence, who scored both Bishops' goals against Hendon.

Supporters can travel on the team bus south by contacting David Illingworth (07736 050739) with an extra £45 for a hotel room on the Saturday night.

Supporters' club official John Cowey admits that attention is focused on the present - relegation to the Unibond first division and trying to build a new stadium. "We want to take time out to reflect upon the past."

Alan Adamthwaite's new book on Bishop Auckland's remarkable history will be launched at the annual players' reunion, at the town's cricket club, on the lunchtime of Friday August 12. Signed copies will be available for £15.

TUESDAY'S column supposed the slightly indecipherable author of a note about the word "Soz" to be David Lewis of Doghouse CC, he with a cricket net in the back garden. Probably it was, but Neil Tate of Norton Cricket Club reports that Big Dave hasn't been too clever (as they say) and has spent time in intensive care. He's now recuperating at home near Stockton; get well soon.

A SPORTSMAN'S dinner with a difference takes place on September 16 in aid of the Butterwick Hospice - "It's going to be clean, you can bring your wife, " insists organiser Ray Laidler.

Jeff Winter, local lad and former Premiership referee, is principal speaker. "Jeff says he only knows four swear words and they're the ones Alex Ferguson called him, " says Ray.

John Stiles, Nobby's lad, is the comedian. "Jeff 's heard him; he doesn't swear either, " says Ray.

The do's at the Masonic Hall in Stockton, tickets £25. Ray's on 01642 624231.

SUCCESS upon success for Sunderland. The supporters club London branch has not only reached the final of the pool competition for fans exiled in the capital but has asked the column to make up the numbers in its cricket team. "Age and playing standard are both irrelevant, " says Ian Todd. We should be perfect, then.

And finally...

TED Scotter was the first of umpteen readers to know that the former Bishop Auckland schoolboy who holds the record for most test match sixes (Backtrack, June 21) is the amiable New Zealander Chris Cairns.

Since today's column seems to have been going for miles, readers are today invited to name the athlete who beat Roger Bannister's record just 46 days after he set it.

Another lap on Tuesday.

Published: 24/06/2005